ITD104 Building IT Systems


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: College 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:ITD104
Credit points:12
Equivalent:ITB001, INB104
Anti-requisite:IFB104, EGB103
Coordinators:Donna Kingsbury | d.teague@qut.edu.au
Lawrence Buckingham | l.buckingham@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit provides a hands-on introduction to computer programming for students with no prior coding experience at all. It introduces the basic principles of programming in a typical imperative language, including expressions, assignment, functions, choice and iteration. It then shows how to use Application Programming Interfaces to complete common Information Technology tasks such as querying databases, creating user interfaces, and searching for patterns in large datasets. The emphasis is on developing skills through practice, so the unit includes numerous coding exercises and assignments, using a simple scripting language and code development environment. The unit establishes a foundation for later subjects that teach large-scale software development using industrial-strength programming languages.

 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Explain the commonly used features in computer languages needed to build IT systems.
  2. Use selected computer languages effectively to develop software to address user needs.
  3. Apply appropriate processes and creative thinking to develop solutions to small IT challenges.
  4. Describe the software development profession and key capabilities and skills required by the industry.
  5. Interpret client requirements to design and build user-centred IT systems.
  6. Outline the basic lifecycle of software development and acquisition.

Content

This unit provides you with a variety of engaging experiences in the broad areas of programming, databases, pattern-matching and user interfaces to develop your skill set and knowledge about Information Technology systems and languages. This is accomplished by providing you with both skills-development exercises and assessed assignments that encourage you to solve practical problems encountered in building IT systems, making use of simple software development environments and online learning resources.

Learning Approaches

This unit takes a blended approach to learning and teaching. You will be provided with both eContent and timetabled activities such as tutorials, workshops and practicals. eContent will be clearly identified on your Canvas site for you to engage with on a weekly basis before your classes. eContent could include videos, readings, self-reflection and/or peer activities designed to enhance your learning experience. During the timetabled activities, the unit coordinator and/or your tutor will further explain content and you will be provided with opportunities to explore this content in a collaborative learning environment. After your weekly classes, you should continue to engage with unit resources to ensure you consolidate your understanding of unit content. Teaching team members will also be available for one-on-one consultations to assist you with your learning journey.

This unit emphasises a hands-on approach to learning providing you with opportunities to carry out a number of practical, artefact-driven exercises aimed at building small IT systems. On the larger assignments you will be required to present the results of your work in a novice professional manner. This progressive range of simple to more complex tasks will foster your ability to perform individually and to solve non-trivial IT problems. In class you will be asked to collaborate with your peers and present results in a professional manner. You will have the opportunity to discuss any difficulties you are having with the practical exercises with your peers and tutor.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
• Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
• Formal: in writing, such as checklists, rubrics, written commentary
• Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
• Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment

Overview

You will be required to submit two non-trivial assignments to show how you can solve IT system development problems. The examination will assess the skills and knowledge you've gained about basic programming principles.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Assessment Task 1

A non-trivial problem-solving task in which you will demonstrate the fundamental programming skills you have acquired in the first half of the unit. 

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 20
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 7
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5

Assessment: Assessment Task 2

A major programming task in which you will create an interactive application using the applied knowledge and skills you have gained throughout the entire unit. 

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 20
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 12
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

Assessment: Examination

Problem-solving and knowledge-based questions which test your understanding of and ability to apply the programming concepts covered in the unit.

Weight: 60
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Exam Block
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

This unit makes extensive use of online resources. All manuals and computer software needed to complete the exercises and assessment items will be either available online or provided in QUT's computer labs. Reference may be made to relevant textbooks, but purchasing these will not be compulsory.

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Kenneth A. Lambert. Fundamentals of Python: First Programs. Cengage Learning, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-1-111-82270-5

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.